tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199558652016-07-28T13:28:05.433-05:00SEMPER REFORMANDA<b>ALWAYS REFORMING:</b> A sinner saved by <i>grace alone</i> through <i>faith alone</i> because of <i>Christ alone</i> adhering to <i>Scripture alone</i> to bring about reform personally, for his family, church, and world to the <i>glory of God alone</i>.GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.comBlogger825125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-76031941900799124082015-09-25T14:57:00.001-05:002015-09-25T15:04:11.081-05:00Government do take a bite, don't she? <blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><b>Guest post from Oilcan</b></i></blockquote><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">US Federal Income Tax Rate History:</span>&nbsp;</span></b><br /><br />Beginning in 1913, after 16th Amendment . . .<br /><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Range in:&nbsp;</b></span><br /><br /><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay2E8thdcFI/VgWknIBDBTI/AAAAAAAADGI/HGUtjncgNHc/s1600/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay2E8thdcFI/VgWknIBDBTI/AAAAAAAADGI/HGUtjncgNHc/s200/taxes.jpg" width="160" /></a><li>1913: 1% to 7%&nbsp;</li><li>1918: 6% to 77%&nbsp;</li><li>1925: 1.5% to 25%&nbsp;</li><li>1944: 23% to 94%&nbsp;</li><li>1965: 14% to 70%&nbsp;</li><li>1977: 0% to 70%&nbsp;</li><li>1982: 0% to 50%&nbsp;</li><li>1988: 15% to 28%&nbsp;</li><li>1991: 15% to 31%&nbsp;</li><li>1993: 15% to 39.6%&nbsp;</li><li>2003: 10% to 35%&nbsp;</li><li>2013: 10% to 39.6%&nbsp;</li></ul><br /><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Assessment?</b>&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><ul><li>Woodrow Wilson - sucks&nbsp;</li><li>Calvin Coolidge - great&nbsp;</li><li>Herbert Hoover - bad&nbsp;</li><li>Frank Roosevelt - bad&nbsp;</li><li>John Kennedy/Lyndon Johnson - ok&nbsp;</li><li>Ronald Reagan - awesome&nbsp;</li><li>George HW Bush - disappointing&nbsp;</li><li>Bill Clinton - bad&nbsp;</li><li>George W Bush - good&nbsp;</li><li>Barrack Obama - bad</li></ul><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote>"Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15." ~Ronald Reagan <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-36278830461123115312014-05-16T12:55:00.000-05:002014-05-16T13:01:52.176-05:00Don't eat the car! Not the car!<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">The Power of the Dog</span></b> by Rudyard Kipling<br /><div><br /></div><div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>209</o:Words> <o:Characters>1194</o:Characters> <o:Company>Providence Church</o:Company> <o:Lines>9</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1401</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="276"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Normal (Web)"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpoMmgMPD3k/U3ZSPnCa3TI/AAAAAAAADDc/lLRiI7bjGhI/s1600/StanBush3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpoMmgMPD3k/U3ZSPnCa3TI/AAAAAAAADDc/lLRiI7bjGhI/s1600/StanBush3.PNG" height="200" width="133" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is sorrow enough in the natural way<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">From men and women to fill our day;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And when we are certain of sorrow in store,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Why do we always arrange for more?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy a pup and your money will buy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love unflinching that cannot lie--<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Perfect passion and worship fed<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nevertheless it is hardly fair<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To risk your heart for a dog to tear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the fourteen years which Nature permits<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And the vet's unspoken prescription runs<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To lethal chambers or loaded guns,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then you will find--it's your own affair--<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the body that lived at your single will,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the spirit that answered your every mood<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You will discover how much you care,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And will give your heart for the dog to tear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We've sorrow enough in the natural way,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When it comes to burying Christian clay.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our loves are not given, but only lent,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At compound interest of cent per cent.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Though it is not always the case, I believe,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A short-time loan is as bad as a long--<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So why in Heaven (before we are there)<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?</span><!--EndFragment--> </div>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-41304579730280932082014-04-02T05:30:00.000-05:002014-04-02T05:30:00.055-05:00All I've ever wanted was an honest week's pay for an honest day's work.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gICzQU9DSc/Uytazy6vdnI/AAAAAAAADDM/efoxK7hfTvA/s1600/BeerMoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gICzQU9DSc/Uytazy6vdnI/AAAAAAAADDM/efoxK7hfTvA/s1600/BeerMoney.jpg" /></a><b>The Tax System Explained in Beer&nbsp;</b><br />by Dan Mitchell (HT Chia)<br /><br />Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this…<br /><br /><ul><li>The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.&nbsp;</li><li>The fifth would pay $1.&nbsp;</li><li>The sixth would pay $3.&nbsp;</li><li>The seventh would pay $7.&nbsp;</li><li>The eighth would pay $12.&nbsp;</li><li>The ninth would pay $18.&nbsp;</li><li>The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.&nbsp;</li></ul><br />So, that’s what they decided to do.<br /><br />The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve ball. “Since you are all such good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.″<br /><br />Drinks for the ten men would now cost just $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his fair share?<br /><br />The bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by a higher percentage the poorer he was, to follow the principle of the tax system they had been using, and he proceeded to work out the amounts he suggested that each should now pay.<br /><br /><ul><li>And so the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% saving).&nbsp;</li><li>The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% saving).&nbsp;</li><li>The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28% saving).&nbsp;</li><li>The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% saving).&nbsp;</li><li>The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% saving).&nbsp;</li><li>The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% saving).&nbsp;</li></ul><br />Each of the six was better off than before.&nbsp;And the first four continued to drink for free. But, once outside the bar, the men began to compare their savings.<br /><br /><ul><li>“I only got a dollar out of the $20 saving,” declared the sixth man.&nbsp;</li><li>He pointed to the tenth man, ”but he got $10!”&nbsp;</li><li>“Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar too. It’s unfair that he got ten times (10x) more benefit than me!”&nbsp;</li><li>“That’s true!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 back, when I got only $2? The wealthy get all the breaks!”&nbsp;</li><li>“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison, “we didn’t get anything at all. This new tax system exploits the poor!”&nbsp;</li></ul><br />The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.<br /><br />The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had their beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!<br /><br />And that, boys and girls, journalists and government ministers, is how our tax system works. The people who already pay the highest taxes will naturally get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas, where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-63458602037278419382014-03-20T16:03:00.003-05:002014-03-20T16:04:58.352-05:00Nice to have a family. A man should take care, see that nothing happens to them.You're probably at least somewhat familiar with Obamacare, aka the Affordable Care Act (sic). Like other ponzi schemes, it relies on those who don't really need and it won't use it to carry the financial burden of those who will need and use it.<br /><br />Because Obamamacre is not a product good enough to sell itself, there have been millions of taxpayer dollars and many hours of celebrity and presidential time spent to sell it, especially to young people.<br />But, it's much wiser, particularly finanically, for the young person to just pay the fine than to sign up for "affordable" health coverage that is not needed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlFveH3olHM/UytSsnC3Z5I/AAAAAAAADC8/zrokDbCiilc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-20+at+15.40.13+.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlFveH3olHM/UytSsnC3Z5I/AAAAAAAADC8/zrokDbCiilc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-20+at+15.40.13+.png" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>President Obaama recently tweeted in an attempt to persuade young Americans that they aren't "invincible," and should, therefore, get covered. However, that which is most appealing about Obamacare may indeed be the greatest obstacle to young people signing up and funding it.&nbsp;That is, thanks to the ACA, a person cannot now be denied coverage based on a preexisting condition. <br /><br />So, should a young person unfortunately find out, the hard way, that he or she indeed is not invincible through injury or diagnosis of some malady, that person just signs up after the fact, knowing coverage is guaranteed.<br /><br />I could be wrong, but it would seem this scare tactic is predicated upon ignorance of Obamacare in order to be effective. &nbsp;Nancy et al have passed it and we now know what's in it. At least, some of us do, and we are scared, but not of lacking coverage, but of what this albatross will further do to the economy, to losses of coverage, and to the already overly burdened taxpayer.<br /><br /><br /><b>If you like your healthcare plan ... </b><iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qpa-5JdCnmo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-86315359152093014212014-03-10T16:20:00.000-05:002014-03-10T16:20:54.464-05:00Mrs. Robinson, if you don't mind my saying so, this conversation is getting a little strange.You may or may not be aware of the recent revelations of sexual harassment/abuse perpetrated by Bill Gothard, head of the Institute in Basic Life Principles.<b>*&nbsp;</b>In response to such, <a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/media/Screenshot-2014-03-06-23.16.19.png">Bill Gothard has resigned</a> from the presidency of IBLP.<br /><br />To be fair, accusations of impropriety and divergence from Scripture is nothing new, as can be seen in the 2002 book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Basic-Principles-Gothard-Christian/dp/0971700923/">A Matter of Basic Principles: Bill Gothard &amp; the Christian Life</a>.<br /><br />A recurring question I've seen is, <b>"How could this have happened?!"&nbsp;</b><br /><br />The answer seems obvious to me. The organization is a cult.<br /><br />As is typical with a cult, it has a charismatic leader with a loyal following that is rather unhealthy. The IBLP is awash with legalistic practices, as opposed to Scriptural dictates, and there's no accountability for said leader. For many, sadly, the organization replaces the role of the local church in the life of the participants and/or the people are more loyal to the organization than they are to a local church.&nbsp; <br /><br />That's not to say something along these lines couldn't happen in a legitimate church, but it's less likely in a properly structured church, especially one that understands the biblical admonition to put no confidence in the flesh, but to have a healthy self-distrust and reliance upon the Spirit of God to sanctify. <br /><blockquote></blockquote><b>*</b>&nbsp;<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #3f4950; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">See how the experiences&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/02/ruths-story/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Ruth's Story">Ruth</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2012/05/another-witness-sexual-harassment-at-hq/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Annette's Story">Annette</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/02/charlottes-stori/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Charlotte's Story">Charlotte</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/02/rachels-story/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Rachel's Story">Rachel</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/01/sacred-grooming-part-one/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Meg's Story">Meg</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2012/04/exploited-innocence/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Lizzie's Story">Lizzie</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2013/04/third-witness-sexual-harassment-at-headquarters/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Grace's Story">Grace</a>&nbsp;had with Bill Gothard fit together&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/02/chronology-of-favorites/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Chronology of Ruth, Annette, Charlotte, Meg, Rachel, Lizzie, and Grace">chronologically here</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2014/02/gothards-process/" style="color: #004276; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Gothard’s Process: Invite, Idealize, Isolate, Transgress, Rewrite">behaviorally here</a>.</span></span>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-72632953236355237502014-01-27T23:27:00.002-06:002014-01-27T23:27:58.553-06:00There's a chain of command. Gripes go up, not down. Always up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0OBM-QZZH0/Uuc_s2atQzI/AAAAAAAADCs/PHQ3qubSGsA/s1600/sgtyork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0OBM-QZZH0/Uuc_s2atQzI/AAAAAAAADCs/PHQ3qubSGsA/s1600/sgtyork.jpg" /></a></div>Chaplain Galyon posted his <a href="http://t.co/rl0rE5BWUU">All-Time Favorite Military Movies</a>.<br /><br />He's a better man than I in various and sundry ways. &nbsp;His discipline to limit his list to 10 is just another example of that reality.<br /><br /><b>My Top 20 Favorite Military* Movies:</b><br /><ul><li>Forrest Gump ... "We was always taking long walks and we was always looking for a guy named Charlie."</li><li>Stripes ... "Lighten up, Francis."</li><li>Taps ... "They want us to be good little boys now so we can fight some war for them in the future. Some war they'll decide on. We'd rather fight our own war right now."</li><li>Dances with Wolves ... "My place is with you. I go where you go."</li><li>Top Gun ... "Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full."</li><li>Heartbreak Ridge ... "This is the AK-47 assault rifle, the preferred weapon of your enemy; and it makes a distinctive sound when fired at you, so remember it.</li><li>The Final Countdown ... "I'm talking about the classic paradox of time."</li><li>Rambo ... "I want, what they want, and every other guy who came over here and spilled his guts and gave everything he had, wants! For our country to love us as much as we love it!"</li><li>An Officer and a Gentleman ... "I want your D.O.R!"</li><li>Taking Chance ... "You are his witness now. Without a witness, they just disappear."</li><li>Platoon ... "New meat! You dudes gonna love the Nam."</li><li>We Were Soldiers ... "We who have seen war, will never stop seeing it."</li><li>Braveheart ... "Every man dies, not every man really lives."</li><li>Saving Private Ryan ... "Well, from my way of thinking, sir, this entire mission is a serious misallocation of valuable military resources."</li><li>Apocalypse Now ... "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."</li><li>Patton ... "All real Americans love the sting of battle."</li><li>Full Metal Jacket ... "A jelly donut?!"</li><li>A Few Good Men ... "You can't handle the truth!"</li><li>Outlaw Josey Wales ... "Dyin' ain't much of a livin', boy."</li><li>Sergeant York ... "Folks back home used to say I could shoot a rifle before I was weaned, but they was exaggeratin' some."</li></ul><ul></ul><br />*Previously, I'd offered a list of <a href="http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2010/05/we-who-have-seen-war-will-never-stop.html">10 Favorite WAR Movies</a>.<br /><br />GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-61744260639380636232013-11-25T15:36:00.001-06:002013-11-25T15:55:03.036-06:00I always like to say a prayer and drink to world peace.<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="color: maroon; font-family: Papyrus;">Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi</span><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Papyrus;">&nbsp;</span></span></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><!--EndFragment-->Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.<br />Where there is hatred, let me sow love;<br />where there is injury, pardon;<br />where there is doubt, faith;<br />where there is despair, hope;<br />where there is darkness, light;<br />and where there is sadness, joy.<br /><br />O Divine Master,<br />grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;<br />to be understood as to understand;<br />to be loved as to love.<br />For it is in giving that we receive;<br />it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;<br />and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. AmenGUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-44263803097629992172013-06-04T23:18:00.000-05:002013-06-04T23:21:49.032-05:00Not "Show YOU the money"; "Show ME the money!"What would you think of a family with following financial situation? <ul><li>Annual Income: $24,500</li><li>Annual Spending: $35,370</li><li>NEW Credit Card Debt: $10,870</li><li>Existing Credit Card Balance: $167,600</li></ul><br />You might think such people fiscally foolish at best. &nbsp;And you'd be right. &nbsp;Sadly, some in America are just like that when it comes to money.<br /><br />What's worse? <i>They are fiscally foolish with YOUR money.</i><br /><br />Just add eight (8) zeros and you'll see.<br /><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><b>US GOVERNMENT BUDGET</b></span><ul><li>Revenue: $2,450,000,000,000</li><li>Spending: $3,537,000,000,000</li><li>Deficit: $1,087,000,000,000</li><li>Debt: $16,760,000,000,000</li></ul><br />"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px;">But make no mistake: As people my age retire and demand Medicare, America will eventually go broke.</span>"<br />~John Stossel<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Source: "<a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/johnstossel/2013/06/05/austerity-myth-n1612692/page/full">The Austerity Myth</a>"</blockquote>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-68751308508908799702013-02-12T13:24:00.000-06:002013-11-25T17:01:56.188-06:00It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I'd never want another.<span style="color: #990000;"><b>How to be more like Jesus in the new year, 3 simple steps:</b></span><br /><br /><b>1. </b>Join the church within driving distance most faithful to the Scriptures. If there isn't one that qualifies, move closer to one that does.<br /><br /><b>2. </b>Ask the leadership for tasks/chores/duties nobody else wants to do.<br /><br /><b>3.</b> Serve faithfully even though the following be true:<br /><ul><li>You are un(der)appreciated.</li><li>Your value isn't recognized by those you serve.</li></ul><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Related Scriptures:</span><br /><ul><li><b>Colossians 3:23-24</b> Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.</li><br /><li><b>Hebrews 6:10 </b>For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.</li><br /><li><b>1 Corinthians 15:58</b> Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.</li><br /><li><b>Philippians 2:3-11 </b>Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.</li></ul>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-4941055023463052013-01-10T22:10:00.005-06:002013-01-10T22:26:25.646-06:00You have to ask yourself one question, "Do I feel lucky?"The following are <b><span style="color: #990000;">diagnostic questions</span>*</b> I came up with to help us take precautions regarding the destructive nature of our communication within the body of Christ.<br /><ul><li>Q<sup>1</sup>: Have I been involved in gossip at Providence Church, teller or hearer?</li><li>Q<sup>2</sup>: Have I lied about a brother or sister?</li><li>Q<sup>3</sup>: Have I said things that were true, but not with love? (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/eph+4%3A15/">Eph 4:15</a>)</li><li>Q<sup>4</sup>: <span style="color: black;">Has my anger revealed my unrighteous heart</span>? (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/james+1%3A19-20/">James 1:19-20</a>)</li><li>Q<sup>5</sup>: Have my words injured someone, tearing down rather than building up? (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/eph+4%3A29/">Eph 4:29</a>)</li><li>Q<sup>6</sup>: If I answered, “Yes,” to any of those 5 questions, what should my repentance look like? (e.g., confession, restitution, asking forgiveness, etc.)</li></ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biqgRFVLKSs/UO-QYQti6AI/AAAAAAAACvI/C793iiDseMM/s1600/wordshurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biqgRFVLKSs/UO-QYQti6AI/AAAAAAAACvI/C793iiDseMM/s400/wordshurt.jpg" width="400" /></a><b> *</b>I shared these diagnostic questions at <a href="http://reformedbaptistplano.com/">Providence Church</a><b> </b>during Sunday's sermon, "<a href="http://reformedbaptistplano.com/sermons/?sermon_id=259">Sticks and Stones</a>."&nbsp; GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-53491888385015768522013-01-05T18:05:00.002-06:002013-01-06T23:05:27.450-06:00I say that big talk's worth doodly-squat.I have no idea how this was omitted from my "pet peeves" <a href="http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2006/04/wont-you-gentlemen-have-pepsi.html">list</a>, but after mentioning this in last week's sermon at <a href="http://reformedbaptistplano.com/">Providence Church</a>, I felt inclined to immortalize this via the miracle of the Internet.<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Quick Communication/Rhetoric Lesson ...</b></span><br /><br />There is a difference between "vocal" and "verbal" as descriptors. In fact, 93% of the time (at least) I heard "verbal" when the person intends to communicate the concept of "vocal." In other words, this is a common faux pas.<br /><br /><b>Working Definitions:</b><br /><ul><li><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/verbal?s=t">Verbal</a> - of or pertaining to [the use of] words [or symbolic language]; note the Latin <i>verbum </i>for "word"</li><li><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/vocal?s=t">Vocal</a> - of, pertaining to, or uttered with the voice [i.e., audible]</li></ul>Think back to the SAT. Remember the “Quantitative” and “Verbal” sections? Remember how quiet it was in the room, even during the "Verbal" part of the test? Of course, the subject matter was dealing with words, non-vocal words.<br /><br /><b>N.B.</b> Verbal and vocal are not mutually exclusive categories.&nbsp; For opposites, we'd have verbal vs. non-verbal and vocal vs. non-vocal. Thus, some communication can be verbal &amp; vocal or verbal &amp; non-vocal.<br /><br /><i>Verbal </i>communication includes the use of words to convey a message. <i>Non-Verbal </i>communication includes all the ways we communicate apart from words (e.g., gestures, body language, moviment, or posture, facial expressions, eye contact, voice tone, voice volume, rate, clothing, hairstyles, architecture, etc.)<br /><br /><b>Some Examples:</b><br /><ul><li>Verbal &amp; Vocal - Someone speaking the words, "I'm happy."</li><li>Verbal &amp; Non-Vocal - Someone sending a text, "I'm happy."</li><li>Non-Verbal &amp; Non-Vocal - Someone smiling when opening gift, communicating happiness.</li><li>Non-Verbal &amp; Vocal - Someone loudly squealing with delight when opening the perfect gift, which even someone in the other room would recognize as a happy person.</li></ul><i>Verbal </i>communication is perceived through either sight or sound.&nbsp; However, <i>non-verbal</i> communication can occur through any sensory channel, through sight, sound, smell, touch or even taste.<br /><br />As an aside, the non-verbal and verbal components of communication may be in conflict.&nbsp; When that occurs, <i>the non-verbal is typically more readily believed than the verbal</i>.&nbsp; For example, think back to the last time you saw a child who was made to apologize to another child, especially a sibling.&nbsp; When the words conflict with the eye-rolling or the sigh that precedes the words or the muffled manner in which they are spoken, the real meaning shines through.<br /><br />In fact, the vast majority of our oral communication is non-verbal (in the categories of <i>vocal </i>and <i>visual</i>). UCLA Professor (emeritus), Dr. Albert Mehrabian's early communication study is often quoted in support of the belief that the actual verbal content of our communication is relatively small compared to the power of the nonverbal. The conclusion of Dr. Mehrabian's classic study looks like this:<br /><ul><li>7% of meaning is in the actual words spoken (verbal).</li><li>38% of meaning is in the way words are spoken, or tone - e.g., volume (vocal NV).</li><li>55% of meaning is derived from what we see e.g., facial expressions (visual NV).</li><li>Ergo, 93% of communication is non-verbal in nature. </li></ul>From a practical standpoint, this is important to remember because when we talk we tend to put a lot more emphasis on word selection, but when we (or others) listen those other aspects of communication dominate the message.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nYX-pdJ0fo/UOi_jNCLN2I/AAAAAAAACu0/I1lgfpVVoNo/s1600/commVNV.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nYX-pdJ0fo/UOi_jNCLN2I/AAAAAAAACu0/I1lgfpVVoNo/s400/commVNV.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>When I have taught preaching to seminary students I have emphasized this in a lecture dealing with style (word selection and message structure) versus delivery of a message.&nbsp; How one delivers a sermon, for example, can go a long way to helping <i>or hindering</i> the communication of a message to an audience.<br /><br />It's been said that one cannot not communicate.&nbsp; I believe that to be true and I hope we can communicate with precision and with a view toward how our communication (verbal and non-verbal) impacts others, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/James+1%3A19%2C+26%3B+2%3A12%3B+3%3A1-12%3B+Eph+4%3A29/">for their good and God's glory</a>.<br /><br />Okay, I'm done with the soap box.&nbsp; It's available for anyone else who now needs it. <br /><br /><b>P.S.</b> I realize that in much of the English speaking world verbal has become synonymous with something spoken as opposed to written down (e.g., "merely a verbal agreement," implying nothing in writing).&nbsp; I may be the bad Ag, but I have about as much tolerance for that as I do "I could care less" now being synonymous in usage with the correct "I couldn't care less."GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-51404874493687322802012-12-23T05:30:00.000-06:002013-11-25T17:06:50.918-06:00You have to be prepared for the possibility that God does not like you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdijkt7fF7o/UNYaj1NNJSI/AAAAAAAACug/Dyzc7GxbLSI/s1600/different.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdijkt7fF7o/UNYaj1NNJSI/AAAAAAAACug/Dyzc7GxbLSI/s200/different.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Check out <a href="http://highlandsministriesonline.org/kingdom-notes/the-culture-culture/">"The Culture Culture"</a>, an excellent and convicting post on the prevalent biblical theme of differentiation, or antithesis, between God's people and the world, including contemporary applicability.<br /><br /><br />An excerpt:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"The difference, the antithesis, between us and the world isn’t that they have sin issues while we do not. The difference is two-fold. First, our sins have already been covered. Jesus died for them, and the Father is not angry with us. Second, we are committed to finding them out, rather than hiding them. Isn’t it gracious of God then to give us the glaring shamelessness of the world to make our own sins more known to us? May He in turn give us eyes to see."&nbsp; ~R. C. Sproul, Jr.</blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">READ <a href="http://highlandsministriesonline.org/kingdom-notes/the-culture-culture/">"The Culture Culture"</a></span>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-27692517495798797842012-12-03T12:56:00.001-06:002012-12-03T12:56:39.918-06:00I love the smell of commerce in the morning.I don't usually go to the mall, but when I do I prefer THIS happen. <object><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/10200179995287209"></param><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/10200179995287209" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1"></embed></object>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-85506418294882158742012-11-07T16:30:00.000-06:002012-11-07T17:32:43.403-06:00I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBuQ_t2Qubw/UJro2srbuXI/AAAAAAAACuM/xhIG_YW_Jm0/s1600/PoliticalBoxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBuQ_t2Qubw/UJro2srbuXI/AAAAAAAACuM/xhIG_YW_Jm0/s200/PoliticalBoxing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I've been pondering the election and wondering why people vote the way they do.<br /><br />It motivated me to delineate how MY political views were formed.&nbsp; This may be an exercise solely for my benefit, but I'd be surprised if you didn't find it helpful to examine YOUR political leanings and trace back why they are the way they are.<br /><br />As best I can tell, there are <b>4 main influences</b> that have shaped my political perspective (and subsequent voting patterns).&nbsp; I share them in chronological order:<br /><br /><b>1. Living in England during the Reagan Presidency</b><br /><ul><li>I developed a deep sense of national loyalty to my country.</li><li>During this "Cold War," I became keenly aware that there were many places in the world quite unlike the USA, some of which help a deep-seated hatred of the USA. </li><li>Consequently, I've always been a fan of ensuring our national defense and military were top notch.</li></ul><br /><b>2. Reading the Bill of Rights</b><br /><ul><li>I realized that we needed the first 2 amendments (i.e., freedom from government involvement in religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom to take up arms) as a grass roots form of checks and balances on the government itself.</li><li>I realized the 10th amendment, contrary to what's transpired post-Civil War, put the vast majority of governing power in the hands of the individual states, not the federal government.</li></ul><br /><b>3. Reading Barry Goldwater's <i>The Conscience of a Conservative</i></b><br /><ul><li>I gained an appreciation for smaller government, especially in the face of encroaching Socialism.</li><li>I also realized that rather than ensure liberty, governments by nature tend to be the chief instrument to thwart it.</li><li>I also solidified and developed some of the thoughts I'd stumbled upon in the Bill of Rights (e.g., States' Rights). </li><li>FYI - <a href="http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2011/06/in-case-i-want-to-read-it-more-than.html">HERE</a> are some pertinent quotes from the book.</li></ul><br /><b>4. Converting to Christianity</b><br /><ul><li>I became pro-life, and consequently anti-abortion, seeing it as the murder of one made in God's image, with this being my political issue which trumps all others in evaluating candidates/parties.</li><li>I shifted my confidence to the triune God who controls (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/prov+21/">Prov 21:1</a>) and raises up and takes down governments (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/rom+13/">Rom 13:1-7</a>), rather than in government itself.</li><li>Thus, I added prayer as one of the duties a citizen has toward his/her country. </li></ul>Admittedly, I am biased, but I recommend each of these 4 to you. Also, I'd love to hear what has shaped your political leanings as well.GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-57036192107034609272012-10-26T05:30:00.000-05:002012-10-26T05:30:04.962-05:00Coffee is for closers.What makes for success in evangelism? Is success dependent upon the response of the individual(s) you address?<br /><br />Let me suggest to you that success in evangelism is clearly communicating the Gospel of Jesus (who He was/is, what He did, and why it's "good news") with a reliance upon the Holy Spirit.&nbsp; In other words, success in evagelism is faithfulness to the task as His obedient servants.&nbsp; Whether or not the person responds with faith in the risen Lord is beyond OUR control ... but not His. (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/john+6%3A37/">John 6:37</a>)<br /><br />We may plant seeds and/or water them, but only God makes it grow. (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/1+cor+3%3A6-7/">1 Cor 3:6-7</a>)&nbsp; We do not "close the deal." God does.<br /><br />We do our part and prayerfully ask God to do that which only He can do, which is change a heart (e.g., <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/acts+16%3A14/">Acts 16:14</a>).&nbsp; In other words, the burden for "results" lies with God, not us.<br /><br />Or, as Hudson Taylor put it in 1865 when contemplating a life as a missionary in China ... <br /><blockquote><span style="color: #660000;">“If we are obeying the Lord, the responsibility rests with Him, not with us! You, Lord, you shall have all the burden. At Thy bidding, as Thy servant I go forward, leaving results with Thee.”</span></blockquote>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-65813079542432877482012-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:002012-10-17T06:00:12.002-05:00Do you understand the words that are coming out of my my mouth?“Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church as it advances against the powers of darkness and unbelief. It is not surprising that prayer malfunctions when we try to make it a domestic intercom to call upstairs for more comforts in the den… Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for: Prayer is for the accomplishment of a wartime mission.” ~John PiperGUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-19820365044070060272012-10-13T20:30:00.000-05:002012-10-13T20:30:00.033-05:00Our choices are what make us who we are. We always have the choice to do what's right.Don't even try to call him a racist!<br /><br />Black Pastor, <a href="https://twitter.com/BishopHarry">Bishop Harry Jackson</a>: "4 Reasons I Cannot Support Barack Obama for President." <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gW1aT5xqWgs?rel=0" width="400"></iframe>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-42044575679576198132012-09-14T02:54:00.001-05:002012-09-14T02:56:50.757-05:00I blow my nose at you, so-called Arthur King, you and all your silly English knnnigits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XY23EEWGm60/UFLgaRANJfI/AAAAAAAACt8/ncWTIRtN6mU/s1600/abc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XY23EEWGm60/UFLgaRANJfI/AAAAAAAACt8/ncWTIRtN6mU/s1600/abc+2.jpg" /></a></div>I've heard that all 26 letters in the English alphabet are mute/silent in one word or another. I've included some examples, but am stumped on a few.&nbsp; Any help with F or V?<br /><br />A: bread, marriage, pharaoh<br />B: debt, subtle, thumb, numb<br />C: indict, yacht, scene <br />D: edge, handkerchief, Wednesday<br />E: more, height, steak, every<br />F: fifth ?<br />G: gnarled, reign, tight, gnome, foreign<br />H: ghost, heir, through, hour<br />I: business, seize<br />J: marijuana<br />K: knob, sackcloth, knife, knight, knee<br />L: half, salmon, would<br />M: mnemonic<br />N: column, hymn, autumn<br />O: country, laboratory, people, phoenix, jeopardy<br />P: cupboard, psychology, receipt, pneumonia<br />Q: lacquer, racquet<br />R: February<br />S: debris, island, aisle<br />T: gourmet, listen, tsunami<br />U: circuit, dough, gauge, guard, court<br />V: ? ? ?<br />W: answer, two, wrist, wrestle, wreck <br />X: faux<br />Y: prayer<br />Z: rendezvous GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-63968601931310801692012-06-25T06:07:00.000-05:002012-06-25T06:07:00.464-05:00They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue.A sobering reminder of just how different Christians are to be in how they live: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">When their feelings have been hurt, people often feel justified in doing anything they want in retaliation. They can leave the church, divide the body, explode with uncontrolled anger, cut people off, lie, hate, and backbite. They try to justify the most wicked, sinful behavior with the simple excuse, “But I’ve been hurt!” Scripture, however, prohibits the spirit of retaliation, the get-even mentality that plagues human nature, with the clear command: “Repay no one evil for evil” (Rom. 12:17; 1 Thes. 5:15; 1 Pet. 3:9). When insulted, we are not to return the insult; when attacked, we are not to retaliate; when criticized, we are not to slander; when hurt, we are not to strike back. The Scripture further forbids seeking personal, private revenge or taking justice into our own hands; “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19). It is God’s prerogative to punish evil, and He will see to it…. Rather than seeking retribution, Christians are to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).&nbsp;</blockquote>~Alexander Strauch, <i>Leading With Love</i>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-2336145739832065222012-06-01T06:30:00.000-05:002012-10-13T12:05:11.486-05:00a "Jump to Conclusions" matThe following I shared in a sermon at <a href="http://reformedbaptistplano.org/">Providence Church</a> and think you might find it noteworthy as did others.<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><u><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS</span></u><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. “This horse is not a horse to me,” he would tell them. “It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?” The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 6.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">“You old fool,” they scoffed, “we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and <i>you’ve been cursed with misfortune</i>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The old man responded, “Don’t speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I’ve been cursed or not, how can you know?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The people contested, “Don’t make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact is that your horse is gone is a curse.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The old man spoke again. “All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don’t know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can’t say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn’t, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. he lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn’t been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. “Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The man responded, “Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don’t judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">“Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don’t say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don’t.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>“Maybe the old man is right,” they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much $.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>“You were right,” they said. “You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The old man spoke again. “You people are obsessed with judging. Don’t go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>“You were right, old man,” they wept. “God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son’s accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">The old man spoke again. “It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">~Max Lucado</span><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;">, In the Eye of the Storm</span></i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 14.0pt;"> (Word Publishing, 1991, pp. 144-147)</span></div>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-12365167650983400872012-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:002012-05-28T06:00:08.598-05:00The crew were mostly kids, rock & rollers with one foot in their grave.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEhA_K0dYCI/T8GggjBJ1mI/AAAAAAAACtw/muBgv2K55fU/s1600/Memorial+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vEhA_K0dYCI/T8GggjBJ1mI/AAAAAAAACtw/muBgv2K55fU/s320/Memorial+Day.jpg" width="320" /></a>A Memorial Day quote:<br /><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">"Whatever our opinions on just war and pacifism, may we all join St. Francis today, praying to be made instruments of God's peace, doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God, so there will be fewer casualties to memorialize in the future." ~Brian D. McLaren</span>*<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>*CAVEAT: There are many areas with which I take issue with McLaren and his theological slooginess, but his 2010 Memorial Day sentiment really resonated with me.GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-71388885357725390992012-04-11T06:05:00.000-05:002012-04-11T06:05:00.082-05:00So shines a good deed in a weary world.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ot0uANGZjU/T4Jo9Hc7B6I/AAAAAAAACto/LpVpZhENACA/s1600/cross%2Bdark%2Bsky.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 144px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ot0uANGZjU/T4Jo9Hc7B6I/AAAAAAAACto/LpVpZhENACA/s200/cross%2Bdark%2Bsky.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729257075150358434" border="0" /></a>The following is a Puritan prayer, part of which I shared during our Good Friday service when addressing the following words of Jesus, His 5th of the 7 sayings on the cross:<br /><blockquote>"I thirst." (John 19:28)</blockquote><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">"Love Lustres at Calvary</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">My Father,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Supply words that proclaim ‘Love lustres at Calvary.’</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">There grace removes my burdens</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">and heaps them on thy Son,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">There the sword of thy justice smote the man, thy fellow;</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">There the infinite attributes were magnified,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">And infinite atonement was made;</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">There infinite punishment was due,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">And infinite punishment was endured.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Cast off that I might be brought in,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Trodden down as an enemy</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">that I might be welcomed as a friend,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Surrendered to hell’s worst</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">that I might attain heaven’s best,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Stripped that I might be clothed,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Wounded that I might be healed,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Athirst that I might drink,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Tormented that I might be comforted,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Made a shame that I might inherit glory,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Entered darkness that I might have eternal light.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">My Saviour wept</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Groaned that I might have endless song,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Endured all pain that I might have unfading health,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Bore a thorned crown that I might have a glory-diadem’</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Bowed his head that I might uplift mine,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Closed his eyes in death</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">that I might gaze on the unclouded brightness,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Expired that I might forever live.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">O Father, who spared not thine only Son</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">that thou mightest spare me,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Help me to adore thee by lips and life.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">My every step buoyant with delight, as I see</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">My enemies crushed,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Sin buried in the ocean of God’s reconciling blood,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal open.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross,</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Mighty to subdue, comfort and save.</span><br />~From <span style="font-style:italic;">The Valley of Vision</span>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-75492281581323265722012-04-08T07:03:00.004-05:002012-06-09T17:01:04.179-05:00"Some things are true whether you believe in them or not."<span style="font-weight: bold;">10 MYTHS Regarding the Resurrection:</span><br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-1/">Contradictions in the Gospels</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-2/">Pagan Parallels in the Mystery Religions</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-3/">The Fraud Theory</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-4/">Hallucinations</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-5/">It's a Matter of Faith</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-6/">Apparent Death Theory</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-7/">It Was Merely Legend</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-8/">Science Proves that Resurrections Cannot Occur</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-9/">Not Enough Evidence</a></li><li><a href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/myth-10/">The Lost Gospels</a></li></ol><br /><blockquote><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” </span><br />~Jesus, John 11:25-26 (ESV)</blockquote>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-40404910130869304882012-03-20T16:44:00.004-05:002012-03-20T17:08:30.966-05:00My hypocrisy goes only so far.Here's evidence to support the claim that the mainstream media has a liberal bias, being apt to spin the facts as seems expedient.<br /><br />Hypocrisy regarding gas prices under the Bush &amp; Obama presidential administrations:<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qKdScVerrBU?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" width="400"></iframe>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19955865.post-9829228213002295102012-02-22T06:22:00.000-06:002013-11-25T17:24:19.752-06:00a straight shooter with upper management written all over him.Congressman Allen West commemorates <span style="font-weight: bold;">Black History Month</span> by telling the truth about Republicans and Black history.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rXJ-9QyJtEg?rel=0" width="400"></iframe><br /><br />There's a reason <a href="http://www.nbra.info/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.blackgop">Martin Luther the King, Jackie Robinson et al</a> were Republicans.<br /><br />Congressman Allen West injects the truth about the Republican party into the discussion to show which party is really the racist one. He takes you through the GOP's beginning to today to demonstrate all the GOP has done for equal rights for black folks ... and all the Democratic party has done against black folks ... including the presidents of each party.<br /><blockquote>"Republicans have always been the party of free men, of individual freedom."</blockquote>Like LTC West I hope the masses will realize that now, just as then the Democratic party is still the party intended to enslave black folk by keeping them down and dependent and obedient to Democrats.<br /><blockquote>"Poor communities are best served when they're empowered to care for themselves. The more they come to rely on government checks, the less they learn to rely on their own ability and ingenuity. Our party firmly believes in the safety net; we reject the idea of the safety net becoming a hammock."</blockquote><blockquote><br />"The Democratic appetite for ever increasing redistributionary handouts is in fact the most insidious form of slavery remaining in the world today and it does not promote economic freedom."</blockquote><br />Dems love to call names and play the race card when they have nothing else, but facts are facts.<br /><blockquote>From eliminating slavery, to securing full citizenship and voting rights for African Americans, to calling for desegregation even in the most hostile bastions of the Deep South, to implementing school choice in poor communities, to helping black families break out of the cycle of welfare dependence, Mr. Speaker, Republicans have been on the front lines of the fight for equal rights and individual manifest destiny since our party's founding under Lincoln.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Presidents Day and Happy Black History Month.</span><br /><blockquote>"With a core belief in the supremacy and the sovereignty of the individual and the unconditional dignity of every human life, the Republican Party is, always has been, and forever shall be the party of equality of opportunity. Happy Black History Month."</blockquote><br /><ul><li>See also <a href="http://www.nbra.info/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.blackgop">Black Republican History</a>.</li></ul>GUNNYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11422524342398284973noreply@blogger.com0